U.S. patent application number 12/042969 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for systems and methods for waste disposal using a disposal bag with a rectangular frame.
Invention is credited to Douglas C. Dayton, Sung Park.
Application Number | 20080310772 12/042969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40132415 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080310772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dayton; Douglas C. ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL USING A DISPOSAL BAG WITH A
RECTANGULAR FRAME
Abstract
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities
are described for waste disposal. A disposal bag may include a bag
configured to receive waste, a frame associated with the bag at an
opening. The frame may include one or more pair of hinge points
configured to open and close the bag when a force is applied on the
frame, and a pair of tabs associated with one of the one or more
pair of hinge points, wherein the pair of tabs enable stacking of
the disposal bag with a plurality of substantially similar disposal
bags. In some embodiments of the frame, the frame is conically
shaped and may include a sealing facility disposed on at least one
part of the frame.
Inventors: |
Dayton; Douglas C.;
(Harvard, MA) ; Park; Sung; (Newton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRATEGIC PATENTS P.C..
C/O PORTFOLIOIP, P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
40132415 |
Appl. No.: |
12/042969 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2008 |
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Application
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11738363 |
Apr 20, 2007 |
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12042969 |
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60905259 |
Mar 5, 2007 |
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60905151 |
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60905503 |
Mar 6, 2007 |
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61016741 |
Dec 26, 2007 |
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60796839 |
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60797530 |
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60832739 |
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60846449 |
Sep 22, 2006 |
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60846450 |
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60846566 |
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60846565 |
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60847562 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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60850951 |
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60851372 |
Oct 13, 2006 |
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60852784 |
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60852831 |
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60854222 |
Oct 24, 2006 |
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60854319 |
Oct 24, 2006 |
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60854408 |
Oct 24, 2006 |
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60872269 |
Dec 1, 2006 |
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60854970 |
Oct 26, 2006 |
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60857926 |
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60861338 |
Nov 27, 2006 |
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60872193 |
Dec 1, 2006 |
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60872235 |
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60872192 |
Dec 1, 2006 |
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60872268 |
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60872233 |
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60902921 |
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60902773 |
Feb 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/61.1 ;
383/104; 383/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/1415 20130101;
B65F 2240/132 20130101; B65D 33/25 20130101; B65F 1/0006 20130101;
B65F 1/062 20130101; B65F 2210/167 20130101; A41D 19/0075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/61.1 ;
383/62; 383/104 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65D 30/16 20060101 B65D030/16 |
Claims
1. A disposal bag comprising: a bag configured to receive waste;
and a frame associated with the bag at an opening, wherein the
frame comprises: one or more pair of hinge points configured to
open and close the bag when a force is applied on the frame; and a
pair of tabs associated with one of the one or more pair of hinge
points, wherein the pair of tabs enable stacking of the disposal
bag with a plurality of substantially similar disposal bags.
2. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
vertical legs configured to provide free-standing capability to the
disposal bag.
3. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein the disposal bag is used in
a hands-free operation.
4. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein opening and closure of the
frame is configured for single hand operation.
5. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising a sealing
facility disposed on the frame.
6. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising a sealing
facility disposed on the disposal bag.
7-10. (canceled)
11. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising a gasket mounted
to the frame.
12. The disposal bag of claim 1 further comprising a release
facility disposed on the disposal bag.
13. The disposal bag of claim 1 wherein the disposal bag is stacked
in a dispensing container.
14. The disposal bag of claim 13 wherein the dispensing container
comprises a plurality of wires configured to enable stacking of the
disposal bag in the dispensing container.
15. A method of a disposal bag comprising: configuring a bag to
receive waste; and associating a frame with the bag at an opening,
wherein the frame comprises: one or more pair of hinge points
configured to open and close the bag when a force is applied on the
frame; and a pair of tabs associated with one of the one or more
pair of hinge points, wherein the pair of tabs enable stacking of
the disposal bag with a plurality of similarly configured disposal
bags.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising configuring a
plurality of vertical legs to provide free-standing capability to
the disposal bag.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the disposal bag is used in a
hands-free operation.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein opening and closure of the frame
is configured for single hand operation.
19. The method of claim 15 further comprising disposing a sealing
facility on the frame.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising disposing a sealing
facility on the disposal bag.
21-24. (canceled)
25. The method of claim 15 further comprising mounting a gasket to
the frame.
26. The method of claim 15 further comprising disposing a release
facility on the disposal bag.
27. The method of claim 15 wherein the disposal bag is stacked in a
dispensing container.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the dispensing container
comprises a plurality of wires configured to enable stacking of the
disposal bag in the dispensing container.
29-54. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following
provisional applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety: U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/905,259, filed Mar. 5, 2007, "FLEXIBLE SNAP TAB REUSABLE
CLOSURE WITH PERMANENT ADHESIVE CLOSURE FOR POLYBAG ODOR
CONTAINMENT DISPOSAL SYSTEM"; U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/905,151, filed Mar. 5, 2007, "SAFETY LID FOR THE NESTED
POLYBAG DISPENSING CONTAINER"; U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/905,503, filed Mar. 6, 2007; and U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/016,741, filed Dec. 26, 2007.
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of the following
U.S. patent applications, each of which is incorporated by
reference in its entirety:
[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/738,363, filed Apr. 20,
2007, "Systems and Methods for Waste Disposal" which claims the
benefit of the following provisional applications, each of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/796,839, filed May 1, 2006,
"CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS, MESSY OR
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/797,530, filed May 3, 2006, "CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND
OTHER ODIFEROUS, MESSY OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/832,739, filed Jul. 20, 2006,
"CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS, MESSY OR
HAZARDOUS OUT GASSING MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/846,449, filed Sep. 22, 2006, "DISPOSAL
SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS WITH DUAL ADHESIVE
SEALING MECHANISM"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/846,450, filed Sep. 22, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH SCENTED
ELEMENT FOR DISPOSING OF DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS";
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/846,566, filed Sep.
22, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM HAVING NESTED STACK OF SEALABLE
ENCLOSURES FOR DISPOSING OF DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS";
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/846,565, filed Sep.
22, 2006, "FLANGE APPARATUS FOR DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR DISPOSING OF
DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/847,562, filed Sep. 26, 2006, "BAG OR
CONTAINER FOR DISPOSING OF DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS";
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/850,951, filed Oct.
10, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL CLOSURE ELEMENT"; U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/851,372, filed Oct. 13,
2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS
WITH BAG EXTENSION"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/852,784, filed Oct. 18, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND
OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS WITH ROUNDED SEALABLE FLANGE MEMBER";
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/852,831, filed Oct.
18, 2006, "NESTED AND STACKED BAG DISPENSER FOR DISPOSAL OF DIAPERS
AND OTHER ODIFEROUS MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/854,222, filed Oct. 24, 2006, "SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED
TISSUE DISPENSER FOR DISPOSAL OF DIAPERS AND OTHER ODIFEROUS
MATERIALS"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/854,319, filed Oct. 24, 2006, "DIAPER DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH
ATTACHED BAG"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/854,408, filed Oct. 24, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH MOLDED
CLOSURE FLANGE"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/872,269, filed Dec. 1, 2006; "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH MOLDED
CLOSURE FLANGE HAVING DISCRETE INTERLOCKS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/854,970, filed Oct. 26, 2006, "DISPOSAL
SYSTEM WITH VENTED BAG"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/857,926, filed Nov. 10, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM HAVING
ENCLOSURES WITH PROTECTED RIMS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/861,338, filed Nov. 27, 2006, "REFILLABLE
BAG DISPOSAL SYSTEM"; provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/872,193, filed Dec. 1, 2006, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH MOLDED
CLOSURE FLANGE HAVING DISCRETE INTERLOCKS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/872,235, filed Dec. 1, 2006, "DISPOSAL
SYSTEM WITH SECURING APPARATUS"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/872,192, filed Dec. 1, 2006, "DISPOSAL
SYSTEM COMPONENTS INTEGRATED IN FRAME"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/872,268, filed Dec. 1, 2006, "DISPOSAL BAG
WITH PLUGGABLE VENT"; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/872,233, filed Dec. 1, 2006, "DISPOSAL CONTAINER WITH OPPOSING
MECHANICAL CLOSURE MEMBERS"; U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/902,921, filed Feb. 21, 2007, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH
ATTACHED BAG (II)"; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/902,773, filed Feb. 21, 2007, "DISPOSAL SYSTEM WITH SNAP TAB
CLOSURE".
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field
[0005] This invention generally relates to methods and systems of
waste disposal, and specifically relates to a waste disposal system
for the air-tight and odor-free disposal of waste.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Numerous household and industrial processes may generate
odiferous and untidy waste whose disposal poses a problem because
of the high odor that emanates from the refuse as it sits in a
trash container over time and the untidy conditions of disposal
when such disposal is not hands free. Existing disposal systems may
be cumbersome to operate and may not contain odors.
[0008] A need exists for improved methods and systems for disposal
of odiferous or messy waste, including methods and systems for
disposal of odiferous waste by a hands-free operation.
SUMMARY
[0009] Provided herein may be methods and systems for waste
disposal. In an aspect of the invention, a disposal bag comprises a
bag configured to receive waste, a frame attached to the bag at an
opening, the frame being configured to enable a user to close the
bag in a single-handed operation when opposing sides of the frame
are brought into contact with one another, and a sealing facility
disposed on the frame for providing a resealable closure of the bag
when opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one
another. In an embodiment, the bag is configured to be detachably
attached to a diaper. In an embodiment, the bag is glove-shaped. In
an embodiment, the bag is free-standing. In an embodiment, the
frame is hinged. In an embodiment, the frame of a first disposal
bag provides support on its upper surface for the frame of a second
disposal bag when a second bag is positioned on top of the first
bag such that the lower surface of the second bag's frame rests on
the upper surface of the first bag's frame and the second bag
extends into the first bag. In an embodiment, sealing facility is
at least one of a mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal,
adhesive, molecular, electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic,
nanofiber, and nanostructure-based connection. In an example of
this embodiment, the adhesive is reusable. In an example of this
embodiment, the adhesive is permanent. In an embodiment, the
sealing facility is at least one of an interference locking system,
a tab, a ball closure, discrete interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a
clip, a zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type closure, a
hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking hinge. In an
embodiment, the disposal bag further comprises a gasket mounted to
the frame. In an embodiment, the disposal bag further comprises a
release facility disposed on the disposal bag.
[0010] In an aspect of the invention, a method of providing a
disposal bag comprises configuring a bag to receive waste,
attaching a frame to the bag at an opening, the frame being
configured to close the bag in a single-handed operation when
opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one
another, and disposing a sealing facility on the frame for
providing a resealable closure of the bag when opposing sides of
the frame are brought into contact with one another. In an
embodiment, the bag is configured to be detachably attached to a
diaper. In an embodiment, the bag is glove-shaped. In an
embodiment, bag is free-standing. In an embodiment, the frame is
hinged. In an embodiment, the frame of a first disposal bag
provides support on its upper surface for the frame of a second
disposal bag when a second bag is positioned on top of the first
bag such that the lower surface of the second bag's frame rests on
the upper surface of the first bag's frame and the second bag
extends into the first bag. In an embodiment, the sealing facility
is at least one of a mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal,
adhesive, molecular, electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic,
nanofiber, and nanostructure-based connection. In an example of
this embodiment, the adhesive is reusable. In an example of this
embodiment, adhesive is permanent. In an embodiment, the sealing
facility is at least one of an interference locking system, a tab,
a ball closure, discrete interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a
zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop,
a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the
method further comprises mounting a gasket to the frame. In an
embodiment, the method further comprises disposing a release
facility on the disposal bag.
[0011] In an aspect of the invention, a disposal bag comprises a
bag configured to receive waste, a frame attached to the bag at an
opening, the frame being configured to close the bag when opposing
sides of the frame are brought into contact with one another, and a
release facility disposed on at least one of the frame and the bag
to remove excess volume of material from a sealed bag. In an
embodiment, the release facility is a venting facility. In an
embodiment, the release facility is a valve. In an embodiment, the
excess volume is in vapor form. In an embodiment, the excess volume
is in gas form. In an embodiment, the excess volume is in liquid
form. In an embodiment, the release facility is at least one of a
one-way vent, a two-way vent, a channel formed when opposing sides
of the frame are brought into contact with one another, a channel
formed on a single side of the frame, a gasket, a valve, and a vent
tube removably affixed to the frame. In an embodiment, the release
facility is mounted in the bag material. In an embodiment, the
release facility is at least one of sealed, self-sealed, and
plugged after the disposal bag is vented. In an embodiment, the bag
is configured to be detachably attached to a diaper. In an
embodiment, the bag is glove-shaped. In an embodiment, the bag is
free-standing. In an embodiment, the frame is hinged. In an
embodiment, a first disposal bag is configured to be nested in a
second disposal bag. In an embodiment, the disposal bag further
comprises a sealing facility disposed on the frame. In an example
of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of a
mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive, molecular,
electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber, and
nanostructure-based connection. In embodiments, the adhesive is
reusable. In embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example
of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an
interference locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete
interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a
gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye,
and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the disposal bag
further comprises a gasket mounted to the frame.
[0012] In an aspect of the invention, a method of providing a
disposal bag comprises configuring a bag to receive waste,
attaching a frame to the bag at an opening, the frame being
configured to close the bag when opposing sides of the frame are
brought into contact with one another, and disposing a release
facility on at least one of the frame and the bag to remove excess
volume of material from a sealed bag. In an embodiment, the release
facility is a venting facility. In an embodiment, the release
facility is a valve. In an embodiment, the excess volume is in
vapor form. In an embodiment, the excess volume is in gas form. In
an embodiment, the excess volume is in liquid form. In an
embodiment, the release facility is at least one of a one-way vent,
a two-way vent, a channel formed when opposing sides of the frame
are brought into contact with one another, a channel formed on a
single side of the frame, a gasket, a valve, and a vent tube
removably affixed to the frame. In an embodiment, the release
facility is mounted in the bag material. In an embodiment, the
release facility is at least one of sealed, self-sealed, and
plugged after the disposal bag is vented. In an embodiment, the bag
is configured to be detachably attached to a diaper. In an
embodiment, the bag is glove-shaped. In an embodiment, the bag is
free-standing. In an embodiment, the frame is hinged. In an
embodiment, a first disposal bag is configured to be nested in a
second disposal bag. In an embodiment, the method further comprises
disposing a sealing facility on the frame. In an example of this
embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of a mechanical,
chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive, molecular, electrical,
electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber, and nanostructure-based
connection. In embodiments, the adhesive is reusable. In
embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example of this
embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an interference
locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete interlocks, a snap
fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type
closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking
hinge. In an embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a
gasket to the frame.
[0013] In an aspect of the invention, a disposal bag comprises a
bag configured to receive waste and a frame attached to the bag at
an opening, the frame being configured to close the bag when
opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one
another, wherein the frame of a first disposal bag provides support
on its upper surface for the frame of a second similar disposal bag
when a second bag is positioned on top of the first bag such that
the lower surface of the second bag's frame rests on the upper
surface of the first bag's frame and the second bag extends into
the first bag. In an embodiment, the disposal bag is used in a
hands-free operation. In an embodiment, the bag is glove-shaped. In
an embodiment, the bag is free-standing. In an embodiment, the
frame is hinged. In an embodiment, closure of the frame is
configured for single hand operation. In an embodiment, the
disposal bag further comprises a sealing facility disposed on the
frame. In an example of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at
least one of a mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive,
molecular, electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber,
and nanostructure-based connection. In embodiments, the adhesive is
reusable. In embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example
of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an
interference locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete
interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a
gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye,
and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the disposal bag
further comprises a gasket mounted to the frame. In an embodiment,
the disposal bag further comprises a release facility disposed on
the disposal bag.
[0014] In an aspect of the invention, a method of providing a
disposal bag comprises configuring a bag to receive waste and
attaching a frame to the bag at an opening, the frame being
configured to close the bag when opposing sides of the frame are
brought into contact with one another, wherein the frame of a first
disposal bag provides support on its upper surface for the frame of
a second similar disposal bag when a second bag is positioned on
top of the first bag such that the lower surface of the second
bag's frame rests on the upper surface of the first bag's frame and
the second bag extends into the first bag. In an embodiment, the
disposal bag is used in a hands-free operation. In an embodiment,
the bag is free-standing. In an embodiment, the bag is
glove-shaped. In an embodiment, the frame is hinged. In an
embodiment, closure of the frame is configured for single hand
operation. In an embodiment, the method further comprises disposing
a sealing facility on the frame. In an example of this embodiment,
the sealing facility is at least one of a mechanical, chemical,
magnetic, thermal, adhesive, molecular, electrical,
electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber, and nanostructure-based
connections. In embodiments, the adhesive is reusable. In
embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example of this
embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an interference
locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete interlocks, a snap
fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type
closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking
hinge. In an embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a
gasket to the frame. In an embodiment, the method further comprises
disposing a release facility on the disposal bag.
[0015] In an aspect of the invention, a waste disposal system
comprises a bag configured to receive waste, a frame attached to
the bag at an opening, the frame being configured to close the
opening when opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact
with one another, a sealing facility disposed on the frame to
provide a resealable closure when opposing sides of the frame are
brought into contact with one another, an adhesive disposed on at
least one side of the frame to provide a permanent seal when
opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one
another, and a container for dispensing a plurality of bags,
wherein the bags nest one within the other in the container. In an
embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of a mechanical,
chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive, molecular, electrical,
electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber, and a
nanostructure-based connection. In an example of this embodiment,
the adhesive is reusable. In an example of this embodiment, the
adhesive disposed on the at least one side of the frame is reusable
and the adhesive disposed on the opposing side of the frame is
permanent. In an embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one
of an interference locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete
interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a
gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye,
and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the frame is hinged.
In an embodiment, closure of the frame is configured for single
hand operation. In an embodiment, waste cleanup articles are
positioned in a portion of the container. In an embodiment, the
container is refillable. In an embodiment, the container is
suspended. In an embodiment, the container is mounted near a
location of a waste-making activity. In an embodiment, the waste
disposal system further comprises a gasket mounted to the frame. In
an embodiment, the waste disposal system further comprises a
release facility disposed on the disposal bag.
[0016] In an aspect of the invention, a method of providing a waste
disposal system comprises configuring a bag to receive waste,
attaching a frame to the bag at an opening, the frame being
configured to close the opening when opposing sides of the frame
are brought into contact with one another, disposing a sealing
facility on the frame to provide a resealable closure when opposing
sides of the frame are brought into contact with one another,
disposing an adhesive on at least one side of the frame to provide
a permanent seal when opposing sides of the frame are brought into
contact with one another, and providing a container for dispensing
a plurality of bags, wherein the bags nest one within the other in
the container. In an embodiment, the sealing facility is at least
one of a mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive,
molecular, electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber,
and nanostructure-based connection. In an example of this
embodiment, the adhesive is reusable. In an example of this
embodiment, the adhesive disposed on the at least one side of the
frame is reusable and the adhesive disposed on the opposing side of
the frame is permanent. In an embodiment, the sealing facility is
at least one of an interference locking system, a tab, a ball
closure, discrete interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a
zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop,
a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the
frame is hinged. In an embodiment, closure of the frame is
configured for single hand operation. In an embodiment, the method
further comprises positioning waste cleanup articles in a portion
of the container. In an embodiment, the container is refillable. In
an embodiment, the container is suspended. In an embodiment, the
container is mounted near a location of a waste-making activity. In
an embodiment, the method further comprises mounting a gasket to
the frame. In an embodiment, the method further comprises disposing
a release facility on the disposal bag.
[0017] In an aspect of the invention, a waste container lid
comprises an orifice for supporting a disposal bag container, an
orifice for supporting waste clean-up articles, and an opening
sized to allow articles for disposal to pass through it, including
waste-containing disposal bags, wherein the waste container lid is
configured to attach to a top portion of a waste container. In an
embodiment, the waste container lid further comprises a cover of
the waste container lid opening. In an embodiment, the cover is
hinged. In an embodiment, the cover is opened by a spring-loaded
release mechanism. In an embodiment, the cover is opened by a
motion detection system. In an embodiment, the waste container lid
further comprises a secondary disposal bag disposed within the
waste container sized for receiving sealed disposal bags. In an
embodiment, the waste clean-up articles are one or more of wet
tissues, dry tissues, hand sanitizer, skin moisturizer, soap,
water, cream, lotion, and medication. In an embodiment, the
container supports the disposal bag by its frame. In an embodiment,
the container dispenses the disposal bag in a pop-up configuration.
In an embodiment, the container dispenses the disposal bag in a
nesting configuration. In an embodiment, the container dispenses
the disposal bag in a stacked configuration.
[0018] In an aspect of the invention, a method of providing a waste
container lid comprises providing an orifice for supporting a
disposal bag container, providing an orifice for supporting waste
clean-up articles, and providing an opening sized to allow articles
for disposal to pass through it, including waste-containing
disposal bags, wherein the waste container lid is configured to
attach to a top portion of a waste container. In an embodiment, the
method further comprises providing a cover of the waste container
lid opening. In an embodiment, the cover is hinged. In an
embodiment, the cover is opened by a spring-loaded release
mechanism. In an embodiment, the cover is opened by a motion
detection system. In an embodiment, the method further comprises
disposing a secondary disposal bag within the waste container sized
for receiving sealed disposal bags. In an embodiment, the waste
clean-up articles are one or more of wet tissues, dry tissues, hand
sanitizer, skin moisturizer, soap, water, cream, lotion, and
medication. In an embodiment, the container supports the disposal
bag by its frame. In an embodiment, the container dispenses the
disposal bag in a pop-up configuration. In an embodiment, the
container dispenses the disposal bag in a nesting configuration. In
an embodiment, the container dispenses the disposal bag in a
stacked configuration.
[0019] In an aspect of the invention, a disposal bag comprises a
bag configured to receive waste and a frame attached to the bag at
an opening, the frame being configured to close the bag when
opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one
another. Further, the frame of a first disposal bag provides
support on its upper surface for the frame of a second similar
disposal bag when a second bag is positioned on top of the first
bag such that the lower surface of the second bag's frame fits into
the upper surface of the first bag's frame and the second bag
extends into the first bag. In an embodiment, the disposal bag is
used in a hands-free operation. In an embodiment, the bag is
glove-shaped. In an embodiment, the bag is free-standing. In an
embodiment, the frame is hinged. In an embodiment, the frame has a
conical section. In an embodiment, closure of the frame is
configured for single hand operation. In an embodiment, the
disposal bag further comprises a sealing facility disposed on the
frame. In an example of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at
least one of a mechanical, chemical, magnetic, thermal, adhesive,
molecular, electrical, electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber,
and nanostructure-based connection. In embodiments, the adhesive is
reusable. In embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example
of this embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an
interference locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete
interlocks, a snap fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a
gasket, an O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye,
and a spring-locking hinge. In an embodiment, the disposal bag
further comprises a gasket mounted to the frame. In an embodiment,
the disposal bag further comprises a release facility disposed on
the disposal bag.
[0020] In an aspect of the present invention, a disposal bag
comprises a bag configured to receive waste and a frame attached to
the bag at an opening. The frame includes one or more pair of hinge
points configured to open and close the bag when a force is applied
on the frame and a pair of tabs associated with one of the one or
more pair of hinge points, wherein the pair of tabs enable stacking
of the disposal bag. In an embodiment, the disposal bag includes a
plurality of vertical legs configured to provide free-standing
capability to the disposal bag. In an embodiment, the disposal bag
is used in a hands-free operation. In an embodiment, opening and
closure of the frame is configured for single hand operation. In an
embodiment, the disposal bag further comprises a sealing facility
disposed on the frame. In another embodiment, the disposal bag
further comprises a sealing facility disposed on the disposal bag.
The sealing facility is at least one of a mechanical, chemical,
magnetic, thermal, adhesive, molecular, electrical,
electromagnetic, electrostatic, nanofiber, and nanostructure-based
connection. In embodiments, the adhesive is reusable. In
embodiments, the adhesive is permanent. In an example of this
embodiment, the sealing facility is at least one of an interference
locking system, a tab, a ball closure, discrete interlocks, a snap
fit, a clasp, a clip, a zipper, a snap, a gasket, an O-ring type
closure, a hook-and-loop, a hook-and-eye, and a spring-locking
hinge. In an embodiment, the disposal bag further comprises a
gasket mounted to the frame. In an embodiment, the disposal bag
further comprises a release facility disposed on the disposal
bag.
[0021] In embodiments, the disposal bag may be stacked in a
dispensing container. The dispensing container may include a
plurality of wires configured to enable stacking of the disposal
bag in the dispensing container.
[0022] These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment and the drawings. All documents mentioned
herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0023] The invention and the following detailed description of
certain embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the
following figures:
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a free-standing disposal bag configured as a
box.
[0025] FIG. 2 depicts the pattern for a free-standing disposal bag
configured as a box.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts an unstructured bag with a frame comprising
tabs.
[0027] FIG. 4A depicts a frame for a disposal bag with an
interference locking system; FIG. 4B depicts a frame for a disposal
bag with an interference locking system and an alternative gasket
solution.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a disposal bag with a frame formed from the
material of the bag.
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a frame for a disposal bag with handles.
[0030] FIG. 7 depicts adhesive disposed along the surface of the
frame of a disposal bag.
[0031] FIG. 8 depicts a ball-type purse closure for a disposal bag
frame.
[0032] FIG. 9 depicts a disposal bag with extended bag material in
the form of a flap.
[0033] FIG. 10 depicts a sideways useable system with extended flap
allowing for scooping or sweeping waste inside the bag.
[0034] FIG. 11A depicts a cross-section of the tissues and their
dispenser disposed inside the disposal bag stack when the system is
in the closed position; FIG. 11B depicts a cross-section of the
system in the open position with both tissues and the disposal bags
available for use.
[0035] FIG. 12 depicts a peel tab binding for a stack of nested
bags.
[0036] FIG. 13 depicts a container with a channel.
[0037] FIG. 14 depicts a hinged lid with an opening for a disposal
bag container.
[0038] FIG. 15 depicts a shaped wire for suspending a container of
disposal bags.
[0039] FIG. 16 depicts a disposal bag system with an orifice for
disposal bags, an orifice for a bottle, and an opening for
trash.
[0040] FIG. 17 depicts a container and lid with mating threads.
[0041] FIG. 18 depicts a disposal bag configured to be worn as a
glove.
[0042] FIG. 19 depicts a disposal bag attached to a diaper.
[0043] FIG. 20 depicts a channel formed in a frame with an attached
plug.
[0044] FIG. 21 depicts a frame with discrete interlocking
features.
[0045] FIGS. 22-24 depict use of the disposal bag configured as a
box.
[0046] FIG. 25 depicts a disposal bag with a mechanical fastening
at the edge of a frame.
[0047] FIG. 26 depicts a disposal bag with adhesive disposed on a
frame with an odor reducing agent. The adhesive is not exposed in
(A) and exposed in (B), along with the odor reducing agent.
[0048] FIGS. 27-32 depicts operation of a disposal bag with a
rounded frame.
[0049] FIG. 33 depicts a disposal bag with a member containing an
odor reducing agent.
[0050] FIG. 34 depicts two alternatives of flange design.
[0051] FIGS. 35 and 36 depict operation of a disposal bag with
adhesive along an integral closure member.
[0052] FIG. 37 depicts a sequence of steps for dispensing and using
a disposal bag.
[0053] FIGS. 38 depicts an exemplary set of steps for using a
disposal bag with an extended flap and sealing it.
[0054] FIG. 39 depicts operation of a disposal bag with a clasp
closure.
[0055] FIG. 40 depicts a disposal bag type for a large secondary
waste container.
[0056] FIGS. 41 and 42 depict a circular frame and closing the
frame along a hinge line.
[0057] FIG. 43 depicts a series of features of a rounded,
resealable frame.
[0058] FIGS. 44 and 45 depict a plurality of nested bags within
each other and stacked above one another in a dispenser and the
container with a cover.
[0059] FIG. 46 depicts placing waste into the top-most nested bag
with a cover protector around the perimeter of the nested bag
frames.
[0060] FIG. 47 depicts removing the top-most nested bag from the
nested stack using tabs on its closure frame, one-handed closing of
the disposal bag, and compressing the excess air from the used bag
for compaction prior to storage or disposal.
[0061] FIG. 48 depicts a disposal bag system with disposal bags in
the portion of the system on the left and tissues in the portion of
the system on the right.
[0062] FIG. 49 depicts a disposal bag with an exemplary molded
frame and closing the open bag with a single hand.
[0063] FIG. 50 depicts an exemplary disposal bag with a one-way
collapsible valve, a fragrant member near a vent, and a portion of
the bag for sealing the valve.
[0064] FIG. 51 depicts a disposal system with nested bags and a
cross-section of the disposal system.
[0065] FIGS. 52-54 depict a refill pack for a disposal bag
dispenser.
[0066] FIG. 55 depicts a piece of furniture with a container of
diposal bags clamped to an edge.
[0067] FIG. 56 depicts mounting devices for a container of disposal
bags.
[0068] FIG. 57 depicts a disposal system.
[0069] FIG. 58 depicts opposing ball members that permit shutting
and opening a disposal bag and the opposing ball members and an
adhesive.
[0070] FIG. 59 depicts a flat pack disposal bag with adhesive for
attachment to a diaper, and a container for flat pack disposal
bags.
[0071] FIG. 60 depicts opening the disposal bag attached to the
diaper, inserting the soiled diaper into the disposal bag, and the
sealed disposal bag with soiled diaper contents.
[0072] FIG. 61 depicts opposed snap tabs coming into proximity and
finger pressure being applied to deflect the snap tabs.
[0073] FIG. 62 depicts opposed snap tabs deflecting past one
another and a hinged frame with snap tabs and an adhesive disposed
on the frame protected by a peel away layer.
[0074] FIG. 63 depicts a sealed disposal bag being vented through a
tube in the frame and the tube being removed after venting.
[0075] FIG. 64A depicts a sealed, vented disposal bag; FIG. 64B
depicts a disposal bag with a hinged frame comprising opposed snap
tabs and foam tape.
[0076] FIG. 65 depicts sealing a frame by deflecting opposed snap
tabs, venting the sealed disposal bag through a tube, and removing
the tube from the sealed, vented disposal bag.
[0077] FIG. 66 depicts a container with a safety lid.
[0078] FIG. 67 depicts a stack of nested bags in a container.
[0079] FIG. 68 depicts operation of a disposal bag container lid
with spring loaded snap lock engaging features.
[0080] FIG. 69A depicts a glove or mitten shaped disposal bag and a
frame for attachment to the bag; FIG. 69B depicts grasping waste
with a hand placed inside a disposal bag.
[0081] FIG. 70A depicts inverting the disposal bag once waste has
been placed within the disposal bag; FIG. 70B depicts removing a
peel away layer from an adhesive disposed on the frame of the
disposal bag.
[0082] FIG. 71A depicts shutting a disposal bag; FIG. 71B depicts a
sealed disposal bag with a release facility.
[0083] FIG. 72A depicts a disposal bag with a conical frame; FIG.
72B depicts the conical frame of the disposal bag; FIG. 72C depicts
nesting of the disposal bags with conical frame; FIG. 72D depicts
adhesive disposed along the surface of the conical frame of the
disposal bag.
[0084] FIGS. 73A and 73B depict a disposal bag according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] FIGS. 74A and 74B depict a disposal bag according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIGS. 75A and 75B depict stacking of disposal bags in a
dispensing container according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0087] FIGS. 76-78 depict use of a disposal bag according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 79 depicts use of a disposal bag according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] Waste disposal methods and systems involve containment of
the materials to be disposed of and may also involve containment of
odor, use during waste-making activities, and use in an
environmentally sound manner. An improvement that may be provided
by the present invention relates to a waste disposal system
comprising a disposal bag with a frame and related methods for
inexpensive, compact, and convenient disposal of waste in an
air-tight, odor-controlled, single-hand operable disposal bag.
Waste may be placed in a disposal bag, which may be either
free-standing or presented for use in a dispenser, and the frame
may be folded at a hinge such that opposing sides of the frame are
brought into contact with one another and the waste is sealed
within the disposal bag. The frame may provide means for temporary
and and/or permanent seal of the disposal bag in a substantially
airtight and odor-free manner. The disposal bag may be stored for
an extended period of time before final disposal in an odor-free
manner.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 1, an aspect 100 of the invention may
involve a disposal bag with a frame. In an embodiment, the disposal
bag 100 comprises a flexible material 102. The flexible material
102 may be plastic, polymers, paper, coated paper, fabric, a
combination thereof, and the like. The plastic may comprise high
density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene,
nylon, polylactic acid, a combination thereof, and the like. The
flexible material 102 may be of any suitable gauge or thickness.
The flexible material 102 may be biodegradable, chemical-resistant,
waterproof, flame retardant, radioactivity-resistant,
light-resistant, decorative, imprintable, and the like. The
flexible material 102 may be impermeable to fluids and gases, such
as for example, by being naturally impermeable, by applying a thin
impermeable or laminate sheet material to the surface of the paper
or other permeable material, by applying a waterproofing treatment
to the interior or the exterior of the material, and the like. The
flexible material 102 may be unstructured, as in FIG. 3 (302), FIG.
6, FIG. 9, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, FIG. 38, FIG. 39,
FIG. 41, FIG. 42, FIG. 43, FIG. 44, FIG. 58, FIG. 61, FIG. 62, FIG.
63, FIG. 64, and FIG. 72A, or structured. For example, the flexible
material 102 may form a substantially cylindrical shape with an
unstructured bottom, as in FIG. 3 and FIG. 72A. In another example,
the flexible material 102 may form a box, as in FIG. 1, FIG. 7,
FIG. 10, FIG. 23, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35. FIG.
36, FIG. 73, and FIG. 74. The side walls 104 of the box may be
constructed from a flexible material 102, as described herein, that
may sustain a crease and be compliant enough to bend on moderate
radii and return to the original plane. The crease in the side
walls 104 may fold inwards or outwards.
[0091] The box may collapse to a compact form by creasing and
folding the flexible material 102. In an embodiment, the disposal
bag may be free-standing. The material and thickness of the bag
walls may in part result in the free-standing capability. The
cutting and arrangement of the sides of the bags may in part result
in the free-standing capability. For example, the bottom surface
108 of the bag may be flat permitting the bag to stand on a flat
surface. In this example, the bag may form a box with side walls
104 such as those described herein, a substantially cylindrical
structure with a flat bottom surface 108, and the like. The exact
geometrical configuration of the bag is not limiting for the
present invention. In an embodiment, the side walls 104 of the box
may be pre-folded 110 to create a collapsing structure that, when
folded flat, may conform to a square. Storage of the box may be
facilitated by stacking or arranging the collapsed structures. For
example, multiple folded squares may be placed alongside one
another in a storage cube. Preparing the folded box for use may
involve unfolding the box by straightening the folded sides to a
substantially vertical configuration such that the bottom is
substantially flat and the frame is substantially parallel to the
bottom. The box may be used for disposal with or without a frame
112 as described herein.
[0092] For example, FIGS. 22-24 depict use of a disposal bag with a
substantially flat bottom. FIG. 22A shows the configuration of the
disposal bag in its flat pack configuration. In FIG. 22B, the bag
is opened by unfolding to reveal the opening in FIG. 22C. As shown
in FIG. 23D, the bag may rest on the substantially flat bottom in a
position that places the opening in a vertical configuration. Waste
may be placed into the opening, as in FIG. 23E, and adhesive on the
frame may be revealed by peeling off a protective layer, as in FIG.
23F. In FIGS. 23G & 23H, the process of sealing the mouth of
the opening by folding the frame along a crease is depicted. The
sealed bag may be further compressed for storage or ultimate
disposal, as in FIG. 23I. The now compressed disposal bag, as in
FIG. 24J, may be evacuated of excess air by compression and release
of gas through an integral vent, as in FIG. 24K, to obtain a
compressed, evacuated disposal bag, as in FIG. 24L.
[0093] In embodiments, the flexible material 102 may be configured
into a cubical box-like or rectilinear structure, as in FIG. 73 and
FIG. 74. For example, the disposal bag 100, made of the flexible
material 102, may be designed in such a manner that it may be
configured into a cubical box-like or rectilinear structure. The
shape may be held by an attached frame, wherein the frame comprises
a square or rectangular shape. In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 73,
the disposal bag 100 may be unstructured and may not be
free-standing. In another embodiment, the disposal bag 100, as
shown in FIG. 74 may be free-standing because of the vertical legs
7402 and 7404.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the box may be
constructed in the manner of a standard flat bottom bag in its
lower portion. The line pattern 214 may be creased to preserve the
fold pattern once the flexible material is attached to the frame
112 in its three-dimensional form. The first lap joint 202 may
create a tube from the flat sheet and may be sealed so as to be
fluid and air impermeable. The bottom diagonal folds 218 may allow
the flat bottom to be created as in other known flat bottom bag
designs, first folding out in triangular double thickness ears on
two opposing sides, creating the plane indicated with a heavy line
from 204 to 208, with the central seam 210 overlapping by an amount
that provides a water and airtight joint. Then, the ears may be
folded under and attached to the square bottom surfaces. The top
edge of the bag may be folded internally on all four sides with the
corners double-folded over on each other on the diagonal lines 212
to form liquid/air tight corners. The third bonded seam may adhere
the folded-in bag top to the perimeter frame in a fluid and air
impermeable seal. Final folding on all of the other lines may
compact the bag to a flat pack configuration. In this embodiment,
the flat pattern for the box has a sealable valve 220 mounted in
the material.
[0095] In an embodiment, the bag may be constructed from a
continuous piece of material. Alternatively, the bag may be
constructed from more than one piece of material. For example, the
bag may be constructed from a single sheet of material that may
have a cubic proportion. In another example, the bag is constructed
from many pieces of material secured to one another through any
conventional means. In an embodiment, the bag may be constructed
using a sleeve-on-pipe manufacturing platform. The bag may be of
any suitable size. In any event, the bag is constructed such that
the material forms an opening in the bag.
[0096] In an embodiment, the bag may be clear, opaque, colored,
patterned, and the like. The color may mark the contents within the
disposal bag. The bag may include a written or graphical
representation of the contents within the bag. For example, a
marking of "Biohazard" with or without the recognized symbol for
Biohazard may indicate that biohazardous content is contained
within the disposal bag. In another example, the bag may be colored
yellow and be marked "Radioactive Waste" with or without the
recognized symbol for radioactive waste.
[0097] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may comprise a frame 112.
The frame 112 may be associated with the bag at an opening in the
bag. The frame 112 may be round, as in FIG. 3, round with a conical
section, as in FIG. 72A and 72B, oval, ellipsoidal, circular,
square as in FIG. 1, rectangular as in FIG. 73, and FIG. 74,
polygonal, molded, as in FIG. 4, and the like. The exact
geometrical configuration of the frame is not limiting for the
present invention. The frame 112 may be substantially flat. The
frame 112 may be attached at an opening of the bag along the inner
surface of the bag, along an outer surface of the bag, or a
combination thereof. The frame 112 may comprise a flexible
material, a rigid material, or a semi-rigid material, such as
cardboard, plastic, or a planar material. The rigid or semi-rigid
material of the frame 112 may enable the bag to be held in a
substantially open configuration. The open configuration may enable
hands-free use of the disposal bag by simply depositing the waste
material into an open disposal bag and either sealing the bag
immediately or sealing the bag at some time after the waste-making
activity. For example, disposal of a soiled baby diaper into the
disposal bag may not require removal of both hands from the baby.
This feature may enable a user to dispose of waste without
contamination of their hands.
[0098] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may be separately formed and
attached to a bag by any method of attachment, including adhesive,
thermal, heat sealing, physical, chemical, magnetic, ultrasonic
welding, and the like. The frame 112 may be a single piece or
formed from more than one part. The frame 112 may be molded from
various polymer resins in a high-pressure injection molding process
to include a suitable mechanical closure in the frame. Referring to
FIG. 34, two alternatives of frame design facilitate manufacturing
and assembly of adhesive surface to the bag. Both frames may be
fabricated integral to the top surface or may be a two-part
assembly of frame and bag. In one embodiment of the frame, there
may be an inside flange to facilitate attachment of the frame to an
inner portion of the bag. A split or fold in the frame may permit
hinging. The top surface of the frame may comprise a sealing
facility to permit sealing of the disposal bag. In another
embodiment of the frame, there may be an outside flange to
facilitate attachment of the frame to an outer portion of the bag.
A split or fold in the frame may permit hinging. The top surface of
the frame may comprise a sealing facility to permit sealing of the
disposal bag.
[0099] The closure may comprise an interference locking system
comprising one male and one female element that when pressed
together may engage by mechanical spring interference to create an
airtight seal. The closure may comprise a tongue 404 on one portion
of the frame 112 that may move into engagement with a receiving
cavity 408 on another portion of the frame 112 when a pressure may
be applied to opposed sides of the frame once brought into close
contact. The opening of the receiving cavity 408 may be of a
smaller dimension than the tongue portion 404 and pressure may
cause sufficient deformation at the entry to enable the tongue 404
to pass the opening lip and be fully enclosed by the cavity
resulting in a tight mechanical engagement that may require
significant force to disengage. An embodiment of such a sealing
facility is also depicted in FIG. 43. The frame 112 may be
supplemented by a gasket 412 or some other compressible or
gap-filling material, as described herein. The gasket 412 may be
disposed on the frame 112 such that it does not overlap with the
interference locking system. For example, the gasket 412 may be
disposed along an outer perimeter of the frame 112, along an inner
perimeter of the frame 112, along an outer perimeter of one half of
the frame 112 and along an inner perimeter of the opposing side of
the frame 112, and the like. An alternative gasket solution may
comprise a molded frame of diminishing dimension such that it may
be relatively pliable at its outer surface 410 and may be formed to
protrude toward the opposing feature 410 on an opposing side of the
frame when in a closed configuration. When opposing sides of the
frame may be brought into contact with one another, the compliant
internal and external features 410 may deform one against the other
creating an airtight and odor-proof seal along the perimeter of the
frame 112.
[0100] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may be integrally formed
with the bag such as by using a chemical or manufacturing technique
that forms a heavier frame 112 out of a portion of the bag near its
opening, such as in FIGS. 35 and 36. In an embodiment, the bag
material may be extruded or otherwise formed from the heavier frame
112. For example, the technique may involve dipping the edge of the
bag in a polymer liquid that may be heat or catalyst cured, a wax
type material that may be applied and may be cooled, a paint type
compound that may be air dried, a molding process such as insert
injection molding wherein the frame 112 is formed to the edge of
the material, and the like. There may be other materials and
processes that may create a stiffness of the frame 112 and a
smoothness of the frame surface that may facilitate the sealing
function. For example, the top perimeter may be dipped or otherwise
treated with a liquid or powder that may adhere to the edge inside
and out, the application depth may be approximately that of the
desired width of the frame. The liquid or powder may be capable of
being formed, dried, and/or cured so that it may create a rigid
surface that may incorporate the original material of the bag.
Prior to forming, drying, and/or curing and while the material is
still pliant, the material may be folded in any configuration so as
to provide a frame 112 of suitable dimension. For example, a frame
502 may be formed by applying pressure on the inside and outside
edge of the treated portion of the bag such that the material may
be folded inward by a dimension desired for the width of the frame.
The corners 504 may be folded to create an inward facing gusset
that may be folded over upon itself so as to minimize the
flat-folded dimension of the bag when stored or shipped. The corner
joints may be filled in by chemical material or bag material so as
to ensure a waterproof seal. A crease 508 may be formed as the
frame 502 is created on the centerline creating a hinge point. In
any event, the integral frame may comprise an adhesive for sealing
the disposal bag, as in FIGS. 35 and 36, upon which may be disposed
a peel-away protective layer.
[0101] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may comprise a handle 604.
The handle 604 may be constructed as part of the frame 112. The
handles 604 on opposing sides of the frame 112 may be offset one to
the other or may overlap. The handles 604 may facilitate opening
and closing the disposal bag. The handle 604 may comprise a hole.
The hole in the handle 604 may facilitate hanging or otherwise
temporarily suspending or storing the disposal bag and its contents
between uses. The handle 604 may be located on only one side of the
frame 112. The handle 604 may facilitate alignment of one or more
frames 112 with one another and/or in a container.
[0102] In embodiments, the frame 112 may be round with a conical
section, as shown in FIG. 72A and FIG. 72B. The frame 112 may have
a semi-coplanar surface for adhering the disposal bag 100 to the
frame 112 by methods known in the art. The semi-coplanar surface
may be such that angle .alpha. is an acute angle. Because of the
acute angle .alpha., 90 degree deformation of the top edge of the
disposal bag 100 may not be required for adhering the disposal bag
100 to the frame 112. In an embodiment, the frame 112 may be
integrally formed with the disposal bag 100 such as by using a
chemical or manufacturing technique that forms the frame 112 out of
a portion of the bag near its opening. Further, top surface of the
frame 112 may provide a wider surface for sealing the disposal bag
100 by methods described herein. The wider surface provided by the
round frame 112 with a conical section ensures creation of an odor
proof and air-tight seal.
[0103] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may comprise a hinge 114.
The hinge 114 may be formed in the frame 112 by a process that
enables the rigid material to bend, such as by creasing, embossing,
scoring, molding, perforating, stamping, cutting, breaking, and the
like. The hinge 114 may extend partly or completely through the
material of the frame. The hinge 114 may be located substantially
at a centerline of a frame 112. The hinge 114 may be located at a
bisecting point on a frame 112, also as in FIG. 41. The frame 112
may be able to fold at a hinge 114 such that one portion of the
frame 112 may be brought in contact with another portion of the
frame 112. Contact between opposing sides of the frame may be
substantially uniform and airtight. When opposing sides of the
frame are brought into contact with one another by pinching the
hinge 114 or pulling up on opposing sides of the frame 112, the bag
opening may be closed. The opposing sides of the frame 112 may be
brought into contact with one another in a single-handed operation,
as in FIG. 42 or FIG. 49, or with two hands. In an example, if the
disposal bag is in the form of a box, the side walls 104 may follow
the motion of the frame 112 when it may be folded to close the bag
opening.
[0104] In embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 73 and 74, the frame 112
may have hinge points at the middle 7310 of the frame 112 and at
the end 7312. As described above, the hinge points 7310 and 7312
may be formed in the frame 112 by a process that enables the rigid
material to bend, such as by creasing, embossing, scoring, molding,
perforating, stamping, cutting, breaking, and the like. The hinge
points at the middle 7310 may be located substantially at the
centerline of the frame 112. Initially, the disposal bag 100 may be
such that the hinge points 7310 are in contact with each other. As
a result, the disposal bag 100 may have a substantially flat
orientation. However, when the hinge points 7310 and 7312 are bent,
such as to ninety degrees, the frame 112 may be able to configure
to a square shape. This may, in turn, configure the disposal bag
100 into an approximately cubical or rectangular volume.
[0105] In embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 73 and 74, the frame
112 may have a pair of tabs 7314. The pair of tabs 7314 may be
extended ends of the frame 112 at the end hinge points 7312. The
tabs 7314 may provide a means for packaging and handling the
disposal bags 100 in a dispensing container. Further, each tab of
the pair of tabs 7314 may have a hole 7318 in the middle of the
tab. The hole 7318 may provide a registration feature for
manipulating the tabs 7314.
[0106] In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 73, the disposal bag
100 may form a substantially cubical shape with an unstructured
base. Because of the unstructured base, the disposal bag 100 may
not have free-standing ability. However, in another embodiment, as
depicted in FIG. 74, the disposal bag 100 may form a more
structured cubical structure and may have free-standing capability.
The free-standing capability may be because of vertical legs that
may occupy the four corners of the disposal bag 100. The vertical
legs may exist in pairs. For example, a pair of vertical legs 7402
may be attached at the middle of the frame 112 and a pair of
vertical legs 7404 may be attached at the end of the frame 112.
[0107] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may comprise a sealing
facility. Adhesive 702 may be used to form a temporary or permanent
seal. For example, an adhesive 702 may be disposed along the
surface of the frame 112. The adhesive 702 may be protected from
accidental contact or contamination by a peel-away protective layer
704, a slippery interlayered separation sheet, by
micro-encapsulation of the adhesive 702, by a two-part chemistry
that is activated when adhesive layers on both sides of the frame
112 are brought into contact with one another, a combination
thereof, and the like. For example, a peel-away protective layer
704 may be peeled away by grasping a portion of the layer not
adherent to adhesive 702 and pulling, by physically separating the
layer from the adhesive 702 to reveal a gap and continuing to
extend that gap by pulling on the layer at the gap, and the like. A
similar embodiment of an adhesive disposed on a disposal bag frame
beneath a peel-away protective layer is depicted in FIG. 43. A
peel-away protective layer 704 may not be necessary for
micro-encapsulated adhesives or adhesives with two-part chemistry.
After exposure of the adhesive 702, opposing sides of the frame 112
may be brought in contact with one another such that the adhesive
702 on at least one side of the frame 112 makes contact with the
opposing side of the frame 112 to form a seal. A pressure may be
applied to form the seal.
[0108] In an embodiment, the adhesive 702 may be disposed along the
top edge of a bag where a frame may not otherwise be attached. For
example, the bag may be in the form of a box wherein the side walls
of the box may be creased and are able to fold inwards or outwards.
As described herein, a low-tack adhesive 708 may be disposed along
one side of the bag from a mid-point fold line on one side around
to the mid-point fold line on the other side. The opposite side may
be coated with a high-tack adhesive 702 between these fold lines.
The box may be sealed, either temporarily or permanently, with the
side walls folded inward or the side walls folded outward such that
there may be a single crease at an outer edge of the adhesive
band.
[0109] In an embodiment, the adhesive 702 may be low-tack,
high-tack, and the like. For example, a low-tack adhesive 708 may
provide a temporary seal. The bag may be re-opened after sealing
the frame with a low-tack adhesive 708. When the bag is re-opened,
the adhesive 708 may be available for resealing the frame. The
low-tack adhesive 708 may continue to provide a resealable closure
until the tackiness of the adhesive 708 may wear off. In another
example, a high-tack adhesive 702 may provide a permanent seal. A
high-tack adhesive 702 may be gap filling. For example, a gap
filling permanent adhesive may fill the hinge joint when the frame
is sealed.
[0110] In an embodiment, the adhesive 702 may be disposed on the
surface of one side of the frame 112, both sides of the frame 112,
a portion of either side of the frame 112, and the like. For
example, the adhesive 702 disposed on one side of the frame 112 may
be low-tack 708 and the adhesive disposed on the opposing side of
the frame may be high-tack 702. In this example, exposure of a
low-tack adhesive 708 may provide a resealable closure of the
disposal bag until a permanent seal is desired. The low-tack
adhesive 708 may provide a resealable closure against the
protective film 704 covering the high-tack adhesive 702 on the
opposing side of the frame 112. When a permanent seal may be
desired, a high-tack adhesive 702 on the opposing side of the frame
112 may be exposed. A permanent seal may be formed when the
high-tack adhesive layer 702 may be brought in contact with the
low-tack adhesives 708 on the opposing side of the frame 112. The
adhesion of the two different adhesives 702 to one another may fill
the gaps of the sealed frame 112 and provide an airtight seal. For
example, a portion of the adhesive 702 may be low-tack and a
portion of the adhesive may be high-tack. A low-tack adhesive 708
may be disposed alongside a high-tack adhesive 702 on one or both
sides of the frame 112. The adhesive layers may form stripes of
adhesive 702 alongside one another. Multiple stripes of either
adhesive 702 may be disposed along the surface of a frame 112. Each
stripe of adhesive 702 may be protected as described herein.
Exposure of a low-tack adhesive 708 may provide a resealable
closure of the disposal bag until a permanent seal is desired. At
that time, a high-tack adhesive 702 on the frame 112 may be
exposed. A permanent seal may be formed when the high-tack adhesive
layer 702 may be brought in contact with the opposing side of the
frame 112.
[0111] In an embodiment, the sealing facility may be mechanical.
Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 61, FIG. 62 and FIG. 65, the sealing
facility may be a tab 304. The sealing facility may be a ball 802
or otherwise smooth geometric solid, as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 58. For
example, a tab 304 or ball 802 on one side of the frame 112 may
engage a tab 304 or ball 802 on the opposing side of the frame 112
when opposing sides of the frame 112 are brought into contact with
one another to provide closure of the disposal bag. The opposed
tabs 304 or balls 802 may deflect past one another such that when
the deflected members may be past the centerline of both, they may
engage such that their surfaces create a pressure between both that
exerts a pressure on the two faces of the hinged top frame 112
keeping them in tight engagement. The closure of the disposal bag
may be resealable by deflecting the tabs 304 or balls 802 past one
another in the opposite direction to release the tabs' 304 or
balls' 802 engagement. A single set or a plurality of opposed tabs
304 or balls 802 may be disposed anywhere along the perimeter of
the frame 112. One or more sets of tabs 304 or balls 802 may be
engaged to provide a resealable closure. In embodiments, the tabs
304 or balls 802 may facilitate handling of the disposal bag. The
tabs 304 or balls 802 may be offset from one another such that
opposed tabs 304 may not engage one another. In this example, the
tabs 304 or balls 802 may not be intended for use as a sealing
facility but may still facilitate handling of the disposal bag. A
frame 112 with tabs 304 or balls 802 may be fabricated as a die- or
laser-cut piece from flat stock. In an example, such as in FIG. 62,
a frame with tabs may further comprise an adhesive layer with a
protective cover. The frame may be resealable by deflecting the
tabs past one another to open and close the bag. Once the user no
longer wishes to open the bag, she may remove the protective layer
from the adhesive and bring the two sides of the folding frame
together. The adhesive may provide a permanent seal of the disposal
bag, with or without additionally deflecting the tabs again.
[0112] In another example, the sealing facility may be a snap fit
mechanism. The entire perimeter edge of the frame may comprise a
zipper edge wherein the zipper edge of one side of the frame may
compatibly engage the zipper edge of the opposing side of the frame
to form a seal. In another example, the snap fit mechanism is a
clip affixed to the edge of the frame. When opposing sides of the
frame are brought into contact with one another, the clip may
engage the opposing side of the frame to form a seal. In another
example, the snap fit mechanism is a hook and eye. When opposing
sides of the frame are brought into contact with one another, a
hook affixed to the edge of one side of the frame may engage an eye
that may be constructed as part of the frame. The eye may be
located within the perimeter of the frame or may extend beyond the
perimeter of the frame. In embodiments, the sealing facility may be
a clasp as in FIG. 39 and FIG. 58, a zipper, a snap, a gasket, an
O-ring type closure, a hook-and-loop, a spring-locking hinge, an
electrostatic potential, a combination thereof, and the like. In
another example, the mechanical closure may comprise discrete
interlocks 2102, as in FIG. 21 and FIG. 25. In an embodiment,
discrete interlocking features 2102 on opposing sides of the frame
112 may engage to form a mechanical seal. The interlocking feature
2102 may comprise a barb on one side of the frame 112 and a
geometrically engaging receptor cavity on an opposing side of the
frame 112. In another embodiment, the interlocking feature 2102 may
comprise a ball on one side of the frame 112 and a detent on an
opposing side of the frame 112. In another embodiment, the
interlocking feature may comprise a snap hook on one side of the
frame and a recessed edge on an opposing side of the frame. In
another embodiment, the interlocking feature may comprise a snap on
one side of the frame and a receiver on an opposing side of the
frame. When the interlocking features engage 2102, a constant
pressure may be applied on a gasket surface disposed along the
frame 112 such that the gasket maintains an airtight seal. It may
be understood by one of skill in the art that many different types
of mechanical sealing facilities may be utilized in the present
invention.
[0113] In an embodiment, the sealing facility may be magnetic (not
shown). For example, a magnetically charged material may be
disposed on one side of the frame 112 and a magnetically compatible
material, such as iron, may be disposed on the opposing side of the
frame 112. As opposing sides of the frame 112 approach one another,
an attractive magnetic force may arise that may strengthen as
opposing sides of the frame 112 are brought into closer contact to
form a magnetically engaged configuration.
[0114] In an embodiment, the sealing facility may be thermal (not
shown). A thermoplastic film may be disposed on at least one side
of the frame 112. When opposing sides of the frame 112 are brought
into contact with one another and a heat sealing tool is used to
apply heat to the frame 112, the thermoplastic film may fuse to
form a seal.
[0115] In an embodiment, there may be a plurality of sealing
facilities on the frame 112. For example, a frame 112 may comprise
tabs for a temporary seal and a high-tack adhesive may be disposed
on the frame to provide a permanent seal. It may be understood by
one of skill in the art that many different types of sealing
facilities such as mechanical, molecular, chemical, electrical,
electromagnetic, nanofiber, nanostructure-based connections, and
the like may be used in the present invention. In any event, either
a temporary or a permanent seal formed by any sealing facility
described herein may be an airtight seal.
[0116] In embodiments, the sealing facility may be disposed on the
disposal bag 100, as shown in FIG. 73 (7304).
[0117] In an embodiment, a disposal bag may comprise a release
facility. The disposal bag may be vented by applying a pressure to
a sealed disposal bag to expel residual air through a release
facility. Preventing the expelled air from reentering the disposal
bag enables the waste to occupy a minimal volume for storage until
ultimate disposal of the disposal bag. The release facility may
comprise a vent tube 312 attached to the frame 112. The tube 312
may be straw-shaped as in FIG. 63 and FIG. 65, funnel-shaped as in
FIG. 50, and the like. Upon sealing the frame 112, the tube 312 may
remain lightly trapped in the frame 112. After sealing and venting
the disposal bag, the tube 312 may be removed to allow an adhesive
that may be adjacent to the vent tube 312 to make contact and
complete the seal. For example, in FIG. 63 and FIG. 65, sealing of
the disposal bag is accomplished by deflecting tabs on opposite
sides of a folding frame past one another. A removable straw, shown
in greater detail in FIG. 64 along with foam tape disposed along
half of the folding frame, may be trapped in the sealed frame and
may be used to release excess air from the sealed disposal bag.
Once the excess air has been evacuated, the straw may be removed.
In the configuration with foam tape, as in FIG. 64, the foam tape
may expand to fill in the void left by removal of the straw to
ensure an airtight seal. Alternatively, the tube 312 may be plugged
or sealed with a separate member. The tube 312 may be plugged or
sealed with material that is part of the frame 112 or bag or
separate from the frame 112 or bag. The material may be coated with
an adhesive to facilitate a tight seal.
[0118] In an embodiment, the release facility may comprise a
channel 2002, as in FIG. 20, in the surface of at least one side of
the frame 112, formed by the joining of the opposing sides of the
frame 112, formed in a gasket, and the like. After sealing and
venting the disposal bag, the channel 2002 may be plugged 2004,
sealed, self-sealed, and the like. The channel 2002 may be plugged
2004 or sealed with material that is part of the frame 112, gasket,
or bag or separate from the frame 112, gasket, or bag. The material
may be coated with an adhesive to facilitate a tight seal. The
release facility may comprise a vent, valve or a hole 118. The
vent, valve or hole 118 may be mounted anywhere in the bag, such as
in a portion close to the bottom of the bag, a portion close to the
frame 112, a portion of the bag midway between the frame 112 and
the bottom, and the like. The vent, valve or hole 118 may be formed
into the material that may comprise the bag. The vent, valve or
hole 118 formed from the material comprising the bag may protrude
from the bag, as in FIG. 50. The vent, valve or hole 118 may be
longer than it is wide which may facilitate collapse of the channel
as a result of normal atmospheric pressure being greater than
within the evacuated bag and inhibition of the entry of air into an
outside portion of the channel, as in FIG. 50. The valve 118 may be
a one-way valve or a two-way valve. After sealing and venting the
disposal bag, the vent, valve or hole 118 may be plugged, sealed,
self-sealed, and the like. The vent, valve or hole 118 may be
plugged or sealed with material that is part of the frame 112 or
bag or separate from the frame 112 or bag. The material may be
coated with an adhesive to facilitate a tight seal. In any event,
the sealing material may further comprise a microencapsulated
adhesive that is activated by a pressure applied during sealing. A
porous element impregnated with a fragrance may be placed inside a
disposal bag such that air may pass over the fragrant material as
it is being vented, as in FIG. 50B. In embodiments, the release
facility may have a minimum release pressure, in that a minimum
differential between the pressure within and without the bag may be
required for actuation to vent air from the bag. In embodiments,
the release facility may be filled with a fluid substance that may
form a seal except when the bag may be pressurized. In any event, a
plug may be tethered to the frame, tethered to the bag, or may be a
separate member. The plug may be permanently shaped or may be
shaped from malleable materials that deform to fit the release
facility.
[0119] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may comprise a gasket 3
10. The gasket 310 may facilitate formation of an airtight seal.
The gasket 310 may be any compressible or gap-filling material that
provides an airtight seal, such as foam, rubber, elastic, closed
cell foam, solid soft elastomeric material, void filling glue,
spring material, folded plastic or paper, and the like. The gasket
310 may be disposed on the surface of at least one side of a frame
112, on both sides of the frame 112, inside a sealing facility,
outside a sealing facility, and the like. The gasket 310 may
protrude just past the hinge 114 line such that when the frame 112
may be folded on a centerline, the gasket 310 may fill the small
void that may form at the hinge 114 line. An adhesive may be
disposed along the surface of the gasket 3 10. The adhesive may be
low-tack, high-tack, microencapsulated, and the like. The adhesive
may be protected by a peel away protective layer. An odor reducing
agent may be disposed in the gasket. An anti-microbial agent may be
disposed in the gasket. The gasket may be used in combination with
any of the disposal bag embodiments described herein.
[0120] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may comprise an internal
extension to the bag volume that may form a flap 902, as in FIG. 9,
FIG. 38, and FIG. 69. The flap 902 may extend over a frame 904. The
flap 902 may provide improved protection of the frame 904 from
contamination during filling of the disposal bag. For example, an
implement 1002 may be used to sweep material towards and into the
bag without contaminating the frame 904. The flap 902 may be folded
back into the bag prior to sealing the bag. The flap 902 may be
attached to the frame 112 or may be integral to the bag.
[0121] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may comprise an odor
reducing agent. The odor reducing agent may mitigate unpleasant
odors associated with the disposed contents contained within the
disposal bag. The odor reducing agent may provide a mood- or
experience-enhancing effect, such as by providing a pleasant scent.
The odor reducing agent may be a deodorant, odor neutralizer, air
sanitizer, fragrance, scent, aroma, and the like. The odor reducing
agent may be in the form of a liquid, an oil, a solid, a solid
particle, a pellet, a capsule embedded in liquid, a powder, a
talcum, and the like. The odor reducing agent may be disposed in
one or more of an adhesive, a removable film, a frame, an exterior
surface of the bag, an inner surface of the bag, a separate odor
reducing member 3302, as in FIG. 33, an attached member, a
waterproofing treatment, and the like. For example, a fragrance may
be disposed in a foil-wrapped pouch that may be separate from the
disposal bag. The odor reducing agent may be embedded. The odor
reducing agent may be microencapsulated. The odor reducing agent
may be activated by removal of a removable film. For example,
removal of a removable film protecting an adhesive may expose a
microencapsulated fragrance and the adhesive, as in FIG. 26 and
FIG. 43. The fragrance may be released when pressure applied during
the sealing of the frame breaks the encapsulation. Alternatively, a
pressure may be directly applied to the adhesive to release a
microencapsulated fragrance. The adhesive may be low-tack or
high-tack.
[0122] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may comprise an
anti-microbial agent. The anti-microbial agent may kill or inhibit
the growth of microbes. The anti-microbial agent may prevent
microbial contamination. The anti-microbial agent may be in the
form of a liquid, an oil, a solid, a solid particle, a pellet, a
capsule embedded in liquid, a powder, a talcum, and the like. The
anti-microbial agent may be disposed in one or more of an adhesive,
a removable film, a frame, an exterior surface of the bag, an inner
surface of the bag, a separate member, an attached member, a
waterproofing treatment, and the like. The anti-microbial agent may
be embedded. The anti-microbial agent may be microencapsulated. The
anti-microbial agent may be activated by removal of a removable
film. For example, removal of a removable film protecting an
adhesive may release a microencapsulated anti-microbial agent and
expose the adhesive. The adhesive may be low-tack or high-tack.
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 11, the frame 112 of the disposal bag
may enable nesting 1102. For example, nesting may be where the
frame of a first disposal bag may provide support on its upper
surface for the frame of a second disposal bag when a second bag is
positioned on top of the first bag such that the lower surface of
the second bag's frame rests on the upper surface of the first
bag's frame and the second bag extends into the first bag. A
plurality of bags may be successively nested 1102 and the frames
112 may be successively stacked, one upon the other (see also FIG.
51). The stack of nested bags 1102 may be contained in a container
1104 for storing and dispensing the bags (see also FIG. 51). The
container 1104 may facilitate a user using and/or pulling out one
bag at a time. For example, waste may be placed into a top most
nested bag 1102 (see also FIG. 46) while it is being supported by
the stacked frames beneath it. In an embodiment, a top most nested
bag 1102 may protect the frame 112 of a nested bag 1102 situated
below it such that a peel-away adhesive protective layer may not be
required on each subsequently nested bag below a top most nested
bag 1102. The top surface of the frame 112 may be coated with
adhesive while the underside may be provided with a non-stick
backing surface that may protect the adhesive of the bag frame 112
underneath but that may easily release the bag frame 112 above when
a user may pick it up from a stack of nested bags 1102.
[0124] In an embodiment, the container 1104 may have an upper lip
portion that may be flanged to support a frame 112 of a disposal
bag. The container 1104 may be a cylinder, a canister, a box, a
dispenser, a tub, a can, a bucket, and the like. The container may
be made from plastic, cardboard, paper, polymers, metal, and the
like. The container 1104 may be round, square or rectangular as in
FIGS. 45-48, or any suitable shape. The container 1104 may act as a
holder to support a bag while in use. The container 1104 may have a
channel 1302 along an edge that may expose an aligned row of nested
bag handles. The container 1104 may have a lid 1304. The lid 1304
may have a corresponding channel 1308 that may cover the aligned
row of handles. The container 1104 may be sized to take up minimal
space. The container 1104 may be sized to be easily located near a
site of waste disposal, such as on a kitchen countertop, near a
baby changing table, and the like. A stack of nested bags 1102 may
be secured to one another and/or in the container 1104, such as for
during shipping or storage. For example, a peel tab 1202 disposed
along the vertical stack of bags 1204 at an outer perimeter of
their frames may be used to secure the stack, such as during
shipment. The peel tab 1202 may comprise a low-tack adhesive, a
wax/plastic binding, or other substance that may allow the peel tab
1202 to be removed all at once or gradually as the stack of bags is
used. In another example, a stripe of adhesive or wax/plastic
binding may be disposed along the vertical stack without a peel tab
1202. In another example, the frames, tabs, or handles may have a
slight interference feature that engages one to the next and holds
the stack assembled until the individual selection and
disengagement of the top most bag. In an embodiment, the container
bottom may act as a portable trash can with each bag a disposable
odor-sealing liner. It may be understood by one of skill in the art
that many different types of stack securing methods, such as wax
beads, plastic beads, and the like, may be utilized in the present
invention.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 45, the stack of nested bags may be
concealed by a lid that covers the entire stack. The openings of
the bags may be revealed by removing a portion of the lid, as in
FIG. 45B, to expose the opening while protecting the frame. Waste
may be disposed into the opening of the top-most nested bag, as in
FIG. 46. Referring now to FIG. 47, a user may remove the top-most,
waste containing disposal bag as in FIG. 47 A, seal the bag as in
FIG. 47B, and remove excess air as in FIG. 47C.
[0126] In another example, referring to FIGS. 27-32, operation of a
nested disposal bag with a rounded frame is depicted. FIG. 27 shows
the unstructured disposal bag with an integral release facility and
rounded, hinged frame. In FIG. 28, a plurality of the bags shown in
FIG. 27 are nested one on top of another in a dispensing container.
Wate may be placed into the opening of the top-most bag, as in FIG.
29. Once the user decides to seal a waste-filled bag, they may
remove it from the stack and fold the frame along the crease or
hinge, as in FIG. 30, to seal the disposal bag with the contents
contained therein, as in FIG. 31. The release facility may be used
to remove excess air from the interior of the disposal bag, as in
FIG. 32. FIG. 37 depicts another embodiment of use of the waste
disposal system with a nested disposal bag contained within a
dispenser.
[0127] In an embodiment, once the initial supply of nested bags
1102 in the container is exhausted, the container 1104 may be
refilled with a new stack of nested bags. The refill stack of
nested bags may be contained in a refill pack 1314. The nested bags
in the refill pack 1314 may be compressed for shipping and/or
in-store display. The refill pack 1314 may be wrapped in a
disposable container. The refill stack 1314 of nested bags may be
secured to one another as described herein. FIGS. 52 through 54
depict another embodiment of a refill pack for a waste disposal
system. In FIG. 52, the refill pack covering is discarded to reveal
the refill pack. In FIG. 53, the disposal bags are extended to
prepare for placement and use in a dispensing container. In FIG.
54, the refill pack is placed into the container where individual
disposal bags may be dispensed from the top of the stack.
[0128] In an embodiment, the container 1104 may have a lower
portion that substantially holds the nested bags and an upper
portion that may act as a lid 1108. The lid 1108 may fit over a
container 1104. The lid 1108 may have a lip that engages with a lip
or indent on the container 1104. The attachment of the lid 1108 to
the lower container 1104 may be accomplished by a close fit of the
lid 1108 creating an outer sleeve fit over the inner similar
profile of the container 1104. The lid 1108 may be attached to the
container by a hinging mechanism. In an embodiment, the lid 1402
may swing open at a hinge 1404 to reveal the top most bag of a
stack of nested bags 1408. The lid 1108 may have a locking feature.
In an embodiment, the locking feature may be mating threads 1702,
as in FIG. 17 and FIG. 66. Mating threads 1702 may be formed in
both the lid 1108 and the base of the container 1104 so that when
the lid 1108 is positioned in a sleeve fit over the upward
extending side wall of the container 1104 and pushed into full
engagement, the outward protruding threads 1702 of the container
1104 will intercept the inward protruding threads of the lid 1008
so that by twisting the lid 1108 relative to the container 1104,
the lid 1108 may be drawn down into locked engagement with the
container 1104. A further downward twisting force on the lid 1108
against the top edge of the container 1104 or against another
designed spring feature within the top or bottom of the container
1104 may cause an interference engagement at the end of the thread.
There may be a protrusion 1704 out of the line of the formed thread
against a similar counter-protrusion that provides a locking
feature so that without downward pressure the reverse twisting
motion will not disengage the thread. In another embodiment, the
locking feature may be a spring loaded snap lock engagement 1412.
Spring loaded snap lock engagement features 1412 may be formed in
the base of the container so that when the lid is closed in a
sleeve fit over the upward extending side wall of the base, an
opening in the side wall of the lid may accept the protruding snap
lock button feature 1412 to lock the lid in the closed position.
The deflection of the material of the side wall of the base may
provide the spring pressure required to engage the snap lock
feature or another discrete physical spring may be used. Opening
the container may involve depressing a snap lock button 1412 formed
into the base wall of the container through holes in the lid of the
container, so that lifting the cover disengages the lid from the
base of the container. Another embodiment of a snap lock engagement
feature may be depicted in FIG. 68. In any event, the edges of the
top frames of the nested bags may be exposed by an opening in the
side wall of the dispensing container and prior to use this opening
may be protected by a removable film or other device that inhibits
contamination of the bags, as in FIG. 67.
[0129] In an embodiment, the lid 1108 may have a lid opening, as
seen in FIG. 14, such that the top most bag may be filled without
removal of the lid 1108. The lid opening may be created during
manufacturing, removal of a portion of the lid 1108 such as by
tearing along a perforation, peeling away a cover material, and the
like. The lid opening may expose only the bag opening while the
remainder of the lid 1108 may protect the frame from contamination.
After filling the top most disposal bag, the lid 1108 may be
opened, removed, or otherwise moved out of the way in order to
expose the filled bag such that the filled bag may be removed and
sealed for ultimate disposal. Once the bag containing the disposed
items may be removed, the next bag may be available for use. In an
embodiment, the lower portion of the container may not be sized to
allow the disposal bags to hang such that the bags may be filled
while supported in the container. The bags may need to be removed
one at a time prior to use. Alternatively, all of the bags may be
removed and placed into a larger container for storage and use as
described herein.
[0130] In an embodiment, the disposal system may comprise a
mounting system. For example, the mounting system may be a shaped
wire 1502 that may attach to an object, such as the rear of a car
seat, a wall, a crib, and the like. The wire 1502 may be shaped so
that the diameter of the shape may be smaller than the diameter of
a frame such that a frame may rest upon the wire. The bags may be
protected from contamination by a lid. For example, a mounting
device 1502 may encircle a container to snugly hold it in position
while an adjustable clamp 1504 firmly attaches the device to a
piece of furniture such as a baby changing table, as in FIG. 55, a
kitchen counter, a work surface, a piece of furniture, and the
like. Other securement options may include hook-and-loop,
adhesives, snaps, suction cups, and the like. A fabric strap-like
material, optionally with further securing features or textures
such as zip-tie or hook-and-loop material may assist in securing
the system around an irregular or over-sized object. In any event,
the mounting system may be modular and may provide for both
vertical and horizontal clamp attachment in various forms, as in
FIG. 56. The encircling portion of a mounting system may be common
to several mounting geometries, but may also be accomplished by a
feature that may be part of the container itself and therein a
direct connection to the clamping portion of the mounting system.
In the case of mounting to a horizontal element, there may be
provided a U-shaped clamp body that may accommodate a wide range of
dimensions for a horizontal edge feature and a clamping screw
driven by a knob that may tighten firmly onto that element. In the
case of mounting to a vertical element, there may be provided a
U-shaped clamp body that may accommodate a wide range of dimensions
for a vertical feature and a clamping screw driven by a knob that
may tighten firmly onto that element.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 11, a waste disposal system 1100 may
comprise a disposal bag 1112, a container 1104, waste clean-up
articles 1118, and other materials that may facilitate disposal
and/or clean-up of waste. A dispenser for waste clean-up articles
1114 may be integrated into the disposal bag container 1104. For
example, a tissue dispenser 1114 may be integrated into the lid
1108 of a container 1104. The dispenser 1114 may be located on an
exterior surface of the lid 1108 or an interior surface of the lid
1108. In another example, in FIG. 48, waste clean-up articles are
dispensed in a container disposed in the lid of the disposal bag
container. The waste clean-up article container extends into the
opening of the disposal bags when the lid of the disposal bag
container is replaced. The tissues 1118 may be wet, such as for a
baby wipe, or dry. The tissues 1118 may be used to wipe, wash,
disinfect, cleanse, and the like. When the tissue dispenser 1114 is
mounted on an interior surface of the lid, the dispenser 1114 may
extend into a cavity created by the stacked disposal bag openings
1102. The tissue dispenser 1114 may have a removable lid with an
orifice that may permit the tissues 1118 to be sequentially pulled
out one at a time. The last pulled tissue 1118 may engage the next
in line to present an edge through the opening. The waste disposal
system 1100 may be intended to match the number of tissues 1118 to
the number of disposal bags 1102 or may match the number of tissues
1118 and bags 1102 in some other proportion. The tissue dispenser
1114 may be refillable. Other materials that may be conveniently
included in the waste disposal system 1100 may be one or more of
hand sanitizers, skin moisturizers, creams, lotions, rash
medication, and the like. These materials may be included in
packets similar to disposable condiment packets.
[0132] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 72C, the frame 112 with a
conical section may enable nesting of disposal bags to form a stack
of nested bags 7204. For example, nesting may be where the conical
shaped frame of a first disposal bag may provide support on its
upper surface for the conical shaped frame of a second disposal bag
when a second bag is positioned on top of the first bag such that
the lower surface of the conical shaped frame of the second frame
loosely fits into the upper surface of the conical shaped frame of
the first frame and the second bag extends into the first bag. A
plurality of bags may be successively nested to form the stack of
nested bags 7204 and the frames 112 may be successively stacked,
one upon the other. The stack of nested bags 7204 may provide a
tighter nesting as compared to the stack of nested bags 1102, as
described earlier. Further, the stack of nested bags 7204 may be
contained in a container 7202 for storing and dispensing the bags.
The container 7202 may facilitate a user using and/or pulling out
one bag at a time. In one embodiment, the container 7202 may be
similar to the container 1102 in design and operation.
[0133] In another embodiment, the container 7202 may be such that
it has openings at top as well as bottom, similar to a pipe and can
be of any suitable cross-section depending on the shape and size of
the stack of nested bags 7204. Further, the container 7202 may have
a flange inside the container 7202 near the bottom opening of the
container 7202 to support the stack of nested bags 7204. The flange
may be such that it should not tear-off the bag, when a user pulls
out a bag from the bottom opening of the container 7202.
[0134] In embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 75A and 75B, the
disposal bags may be stacked in a dispensing container 7502 to form
a stack of disposal bags 7508. The dispensing container 7502 may
include wires/prongs 7504 to ensure easy and proper stacking of the
disposal bags in the dispensing container 7502. The disposal bags
may be stacked on the wires/prongs 7504 with the help of holes 7318
on the end tabs 7314 of the disposal bags. For example, a first
disposal bag may be placed in the dispensing container 7502 by
running the wires/prongs 7504 through the holes 7318 of the first
disposal bag. After the first disposal bag has been inserted in the
dispensing container 7502 and is resting on the wires/prongs 7504,
more disposal bags may be inserted one-by-one in a similar manner
to obtain the stack 7508. Further, the stack 7508 may be secured by
an enlarged end 7510 of the wires/probes 7504. The enlarged end
7510 may ensure that the disposal bags in the stack 7508 come out
of the dispensing container 7502 only when a force is applied to
move the holes 7318 past the enlarged ends 7510. The combination of
the enlarged ends 7510 and holes 7318 may comprise and interference
locking system for stacking the disposal bags. It should be
understood that other interference locking systems may be used in
generating and maintaining a stack of disposal bags.
[0135] After the disposal bags have been assembled to form the
stack 7508, the disposal bags may be pulled out of the dispensing
container 7502 by the user. The disposal bags may be pulled out
using a cutout 7320. The cutout 7320 may provide a finger grip and
may also provide clearance for an optional middle hole. In an
embodiment, an extension element 7604 may be provided to assist the
user in pulling out the disposal bags from the dispensing container
7502. The extension element 7604 may be a curved-shaped wire such
that it makes the disposal bag easy to open with a single-handed
operation. The extension element 7604 may be connected to one of
the wires/prongs 7504, as shown in FIG. 76. The connection may be
made by attaching an engagement feature 7512 of the wire or the
prong to an attachment feature 7602. The extension element 7604 may
also have an end wire feature 7610 that may secure the tab of the
disposal bag at the full open orientation.
[0136] The user may pull a disposal bag 100 from the stack 7508 by
pulling the tab 7314 with his/her fingers. As the user pulls the
tab 7314 along the curved portion of the extension element 7604,
the disposal bag 100 opens up, as shown in FIG. 77A and 77B. The
frame 112 of the disposal bag 100 may take the shape of a
parallelogram during this step. Further, the enlarged end 7510 of
the wires/probes keep the rest of the disposal bag 100 located
against the dispensing container 7502 during this step.
[0137] Now, as the disposal bag 100 opens up, the hinge points 7310
and 7312 achieve a configuration where they are bent, such as at
ninety degrees. At this configuration, as shown in FIG. 77C and
77D, the disposal bag 100 may be fully open and may provide the
largest possible opening 7612 of the disposal bag 100. Once the
disposal bag 100 fully opens up, the tab 7314 may be secured by the
end wire feature 7610 of the extension element 7604. Following
this, waste material 7614 may be placed in the disposal bag 100.
Once the disposal bag 100 is full of the waste material 7614, it
may be easily removed from the extension element 7604 and the
enlarged end 75 10. Further, the disposal bag 100 may be sealed, as
shown in FIG. 78.
[0138] In embodiments, the extension element 7604 may have other
geometries, as depicted in FIG. 79. In these embodiments,
two-handed operation may be required in moving the tabs 7314 on
either side of the frame 112 to an inner position on the extension
element 7604 that bends the hinge points 7310 and 7312 to ninety
degrees to produce the largest possible opening 7612 for the
disposal bag 100.
[0139] In an embodiment, the waste disposal system 1600 may be
integrated in or attached to a secondary waste container 1602, as
in FIG. 16 and FIG. 57. For example, a secondary waste container
lid 1603 may have an orifice 1608 of a diameter that is slightly
smaller than the diameter of a frame 112 such that a stack of
nested bags 1102 may be inserted in the orifice 1608 and the
stacked frames may rest upon the secondary waste container lid
1604. The nested bags 1102 may extend into the secondary waste
container 1602. In another example, a secondary waste container lid
1604 may have an orifice 1608 that may accommodate a container 1104
of nested bags 1102 as described herein. The secondary waste
container lid 1604 may also comprise an orifice 1610 to insert a
tissue dispenser, a bottle of lotion, a tube of cream, and the
like. The secondary waste container lid 1604 may have a built-in
tissue dispenser that may be refillable. The secondary waste
container lid 1604 may have an opening 1612 to insert trash,
including sealed, waste-containing disposal bags 1614. The opening
1612 of the secondary waste container 1602 may have a cover. The
cover may be hinged. The cover may be opened by any mechanical
means such as a spring-loaded release mechanism, a push, a pull,
and the like. The cover may be opened by a motion detection system.
Auxiliary items, such as cleaning wipes, lotions, creams,
medications, and the like, may also be supported or included in the
secondary waste container. For example, the lid 1604 or top portion
of the secondary waste container may be adapted for supporting,
holding, containing, or including the auxiliary items and primary
disposal bags. A larger, secondary disposal bag may be contained
within the secondary waste container 1602 for receiving the
smaller, primary disposal bags, as seen in FIG. 40. Alternatively,
the disposal bags may be of a larger size, such as to fit a
household trash container. The trash container may be adapted to
receive the larger size disposal bags. The lid 1604 or top portion
of a secondary waste container 1602 with the features described
herein may be provided for mounting to an existing secondary waste
container, such as a trash can. Alternatively, a complete system
for disposal 1600 including a secondary waste container with the
features described herein may be provided. Alternatively, the
disposal bags may be of a larger size, such as to fit a household
trash container. The trash container may be adapted to receive the
larger size disposal bags.
[0140] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 59, the disposal bag may
be attached to the object to facilitate the object's disposal. When
the object is ready to be disposed, the disposal bag attachment may
be opened to reveal the disposal bag. In the example of the diaper,
the open disposal bag may be opened to resemble a parachute-like
structure, as in FIG. 60A, to encircle the diaper and contain the
diaper contents within the disposal bag, as in FIG. 60B. The
disposal bag may be sealed as described herein, as in FIG. 60C.
[0141] In an embodiment, the disposal bag may be wearable. For
example, the disposal bag may be configured to be worn on a hand
1802. For example, the bag may be configured to be sealed in the
inside-out configuration. Grasping and handling waste may be
facilitated by fingered extensions of the bag, such as the fingers
of a glove. The object may be grasped with the mitten or glove-like
bag more easily because of the freedom of movement of the hand and
fingers within the bag. In addition, having a glove-like bag may
permit more secure grasp of a specimen within the bag. The user may
then grasp waste 1808 with the inside-out bag 1802 and then invert
the bag to remove it from their hand by pulling the open end of off
the hand such that the waste remains in the interior of the bag, as
shown in FIGS. 69 and 70, and a clean side of the bag is now
exposed. A user may grasp waste from the inside with the finger
tips then pull the open end of the bag off the arm and hand. The
user may keep a hold of the closed end of the bag until it is
safely pulled inside-out and the specimen or collected waste is
securely inside (which was previously outside) of the bag. In some
embodiments, the user or another person (e.g. a surgical assistant)
may grasp the open end of the glove bag, then with the user's
fingers pinching or restraining the closed end of the bag, pull the
open end of the bag down over the user's hand so that the bag is
inside out. The disposal bag 1802 may then be sealed as described
herein and depicted in FIG. 71.
[0142] In embodiments, this embodiment of the disposal bag may be
part of a waste disposal system such as described herein. For
example, the disposal bag may be dispensed from a container or may
be attached to an object, such as a diaper (as in FIG. 19 and FIG.
59) or sanitary napkin, for facilitating the object's disposal. As
described herein, other components of such disposal systems may
include a dispenser that dispenses a plurality of disposable glove
bags such as the one shown in FIGS. 18, 69, and 70, sanitary wipes
for cleaning and freshening, and a waste canister for containing
the glove bag after use. As shown in FIG. 69A, the glove bag may be
formed or cut in the shape of a hand, similar to the shape of a
mitten or a glove to suit the wearing of the glove bag and to allow
for natural movement and operation of the fingers and better
grasping capability. The material from which the glove bag is made
may vary depending on the specific use. Typical materials may be
plastic, poly, pliable sheet material, or other material suitable
for handling and storing the waste being disposed. The bag material
may be leak-proof or leak-resistant to minimize or prevent spilling
or leakage of liquids and/or gases from within the bag once it is
sealed. Industrial or medical or radioactive applications might
call for a heavier grade bag material than diaper changing or food
preparation bags because of the dangers associated with tears and
punctures of the bag in the former applications.
[0143] In an embodiment, the material might only be semi-permeable.
For example, if dry solid materials only are being handled, then
the bag body may be formed from paper or fabric or another material
that can pass gas or liquid but not solid material. The glove bag
may have a closed end, nearer to the finger tips, and an open end,
similar to a conventional glove or mitten in this regard. However,
the present wearable enclosure glove bag may also have a sealing
mechanism or means near the open end thereof. In the examples shown
in FIGS. 18, 69, and 70, the glove bag may include a collar flange
at or near its open end that provides the means for sealing off the
open end of the glove bag. The collar flange can be cardboard,
heavy plastic, or other suitable material. The collar flange,
similar to the frame in other embodiments, may be integrally formed
along with the glove bag body or may be formed by joining a
separate sealing flange to the portion of the glove bag body near
the open end. Epoxy, bonding material, adhesive, heat, ultrasonic
welding, chemical, mechanical, or other means may be used to join
the glove bag body and the sealing flange to each other. The bond
between the glove bag body and the flange may be leak-tight to the
extent the bag is intended to resist leaks after use. The collar
flange may be hinged so that the bag opening closes when the two
portions of the flange along the hinge- or crease-line are brought
into contact with one another. In some embodiments, a zipper style
closure may be provided on the perimeter of the bag so that once
used and in the inside-out configuration, the interlocking zipper
mechanism may be on the interior of the bag perimeter and ready for
sealing by mating the two opposing stripes of the zipper mechanism.
Similarly if the sealing means is an adhesive strip or pair of
strips or ring, the user may remove a protective film from the
adhesive strip(s) after the bag is removed and inverted to allow
for pressing the open end of the bag shut to seal its opening.
[0144] Optionally, the glove bag may be formed from tubular stock
material that may be cut or molded or blown or fashioned into a
series of similar glove bags during the manufacturing process.
[0145] In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 69B, excess bag body
material may allowed to extend out of the open end of the bag to
protect the sleeves of the user, but can then be crumpled back into
the volume of the bag after use. This may be done by crimping or
pinching a portion of the bag body sleeve region between two flange
material disks. In use, the user may wear the glove bag in an
orientation that leaves a sealing face of the collar flange
properly oriented for sealing after use. The user may then approach
and grasp the object being picked up, handled, or processed.
[0146] In embodiments, the body of the glove bag may include a
release facility that may allow for deliberate pressure on the
sealed bag to expel excess air from within the sealed bag after
use, as in FIG. 71B. The one-way vent may be in the form of a
constriction or orifice or convoluted air passage that may require
pressure to compress the used bag and eject the excess air from the
vent while keeping the non-gaseous waste or samples inside the bag.
Ejecting the excess gas from the bag may help store and dispose the
bag with minimal volume usage.
[0147] One or both faces of the wearable enclosure glove bag may be
treated with anti-bacterial agents, powder or other antiperspirant
or anti-frictional substances. Also, a fragrance, deodorizing
substance or other mood- or atmosphere-enhancing chemical additive
may be applied to reduce the effect of the objectionable contents
of the bag on the user and his or her environment.
[0148] The glove bag may in some embodiments be opaque to prevent
visual discomfort resulting from the appearance of the disposed
glove bag. Also, this might protect the privacy of a user on which
the glove bag was used in some applications. In other embodiments,
the glove bag may be colored for aesthetic purposes or for
functional purposes. For example, the bag body may be made of a
recognizable colored film material that may indicate to the user
and/or others its use or contents. For example, if an institution
uses red-colored bags for disposing of biological waste, then the
glove bag may be made of red plastic material to indicate the
same.
[0149] The bags may be imprinted with words or symbols to indicate
a variety of things. For example, the glove bags may include at
least a portion thereof on which a user can write before or after
use to alert others to the contents of the bag, its date of use, or
other information. In another example, in criminal or forensic
investigations, the user might mark the bag with indelible ink with
a date of use and a text or serial number indicating the source of
the sample taken within the bag. Swipes of suspected areas can thus
be accomplished and indexed or taken for later analysis at a
central lab or station.
[0150] The glove bags may be in some embodiments made of
imprintable material. For example, if prepared prior to use, the
glove bags may be prepared on a sheet that permits the entire sheet
and attached bag to be run through a printer for printing of
information such as a serial number, batch number, warnings, and
the like. The bags may be imprinted with a corporate logo or a
recognized symbol. For example, a bag used for disposal of
biological hazardous materials may be red with white lettering
"BIOHAZARD", with or without the recognized symbol for bio-hazard.
In another example, a bag used for disposal of radioactive waste
materials may be yellow with black lettering "RADIOACTIVE WASTE",
with or without the recognized symbol for radiation. In another
example, a bag made for picking up animal waste may be of any
opaque material and imprinted with a animal-like figure or other
entertaining marking to increase the appeal of the product and warn
of its contents. Those skilled in the art may appreciate that the
glove bag may be used for applications such as collecting natural
specimens, such as flowers, fruit, plants, insects, animals, sea
creatures, soil, and the like, that persons on natural research and
exploration missions on this planet or beyond may make use of to
seal and return their specimens in.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 19, the disposal bag 1904 may be attached
to a diaper 1902. The disposal bag 1904 may be attached to a diaper
1902 on an exterior surface that may not touch skin. The disposal
bag 1904 may be secured to the diaper 1902 with adhesive such as
glue, heat-activated polymer, double stick tape, microencapsulated
adhesive, and the like. The adhesive may be protected by a peel
away protective layer that may be peeled away to expose the
underlying adhesive and prepare the disposal bag 1904 for securing
to a diaper 1902. The disposal bag 1904 may be secured to the
diaper 1902 with a mechanical coupling such as snaps, zippers,
zip-tight style connections, spot welds, perforated seams,
stitching, hook-and-loop fastening patches, mechanical fasteners,
safety pins, and the like. A cleaning wipe or cloth or tissue may
be folded and inserted into the disposal bag 1904 to be used in
wiping a child when changing the diaper 1902. The used wipe may be
stuffed into the disposal bag 1904 along with the diaper 1902. Hand
cleaning cloths, sanitizing napkins, diaper rash creams,
moisturizers, ointments, scented fluids, and the like may be
carried along with or included in the package. For example, a skin
ointment may be provided in a single-use package and may be
attached to the diaper 1902 or contained within the disposal bag
1904. All of the used waste and packaging may be placed inside the
disposal bag 1904 and stored or discarded upon use. The disposal
bag 1904 may remain attached to the diaper 1902 and inverted onto
the used diaper 1902 for disposal. The disposal bag 1904 may be
completely detached from the diaper 1902 and the diaper 1902 may be
placed into the bag 1904 after it is detached. As described herein,
a user may invert the disposal bag 1904 and place it upon a hand in
order to reach through the bag 1904 and grasp the diaper 1902 and
waste. The diaper 1902 and waste may then be pulled into the bag
1904. In some embodiments, the disposal bag 1904 may be configured
to be or may be contained in a flat pack. The flat pack may be
accessed via tab or other graspable feature that may enable opening
of the flat pack to deploy the disposal bag 1904 to prepare it for
receiving the used diaper 1902 and waste. The bag 1904 may remain
attached to the diaper 1902. Deployment of the disposal bag 1904
may be similar to the unfurling of a parachute. The disposal bag
1904 stored in the flat pack may have a thin dimension and may be
stacked in large numbers in a container for distribution, sales,
on-site storage, and selection. The disposal bag 1904 may further
comprise a frame 112. The frame 112 may be sealed as described
herein. Alternatively, the disposal bag 1904 may be sealed by one
or more of a formed plastic zipper mechanism, an attached tie
material such as a strip of plastic, string, or fabric,
microencapsulated adhesive, an adhesive tab, a knot, and the
like.
[0152] In an embodiment, the disposed waste may be baby diapers,
incontinence products, feminine products, pet waste, kitchen waste,
household waste, garage or automotive waste, paint- or
oil-saturated rags, medical waste, biohazardous and hazardous
material, industrial shop waste, camping waste, waste generated in
a car or during travel, radioactive materials, other materials or
waste with an objectionable odor, and the like.
[0153] It may be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the
present invention may be applied in the storing, keeping, sealing,
preserving, collecting and the like of non-offensive materials, and
may in some cases be used to hold, seal, collect, and preserve
fresh goods, food, samples, and the like.
[0154] Many other systems, methods, object, features, and
advantages of the present invention will be appreciated. All such
systems, methods, object, features, and advantages are within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0155] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art
may recognize other embodiments, and all such variations,
modifications, and substitutions may be intended to fall within the
scope of this disclosure. Thus, the invention may be to be
understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.
* * * * *